Trump Demands Greenland Purchase, Threatens Higher Tariffs
US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on eight European countries in a fresh escalation of the Greenland dispute. Trump said he will impose an additional 10% import tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain. The new tariff will take effect on February 1.
Trump further warned that the tariffs would rise to 25% on June 1. He stated that these measures would remain in place until the US is allowed to purchase Greenland. Trump has repeatedly insisted that Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, must be sold to the United States. However, Denmark and Greenland have strongly rejected the idea.
The US president has also linked Greenland to national security and mineral wealth. He claims the island is strategically vital for the US due to its Arctic location and resources. Trump has even hinted at the use of force to gain control of the territory, although European leaders have warned such a move could destabilize NATO.
European Allies Unite Against Tariff Threat
European countries have strongly condemned Trump’s announcement. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the move “a surprise.” The Danish government, along with Greenland’s leadership, has insisted that the island is not for sale.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the tariff threat as “completely wrong.” He said Britain would raise the issue directly with Washington. Starmer criticized the idea of imposing tariffs on allies who are committed to NATO’s collective security.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa also condemned the move. In identical posts, they said the EU stands in “full solidarity” with Denmark and Greenland. They warned that tariffs could harm transatlantic relations and lead to a dangerous downward spiral.
Norway, Sweden, France, and Germany also reiterated support for Denmark. They said tariffs should not be part of Greenland discussions. Cyprus, which holds the EU presidency, called for an emergency meeting of ambassadors from all 27 EU nations to discuss the issue.
Protests erupted in Denmark and Greenland as citizens demonstrated against Trump’s demands. Protesters urged that Greenland should decide its own future without external pressure.
Tariffs May Disrupt Trade Deals and NATO Unity
Trump’s announcement could affect ongoing trade talks with the EU and Britain. Last year, tentative deals were reached, including baseline tariffs of 15% on EU imports and 10% on most British goods. Trade experts warn that the new tariffs could jeopardize these agreements.
William Reinsch, a trade expert at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said the move could make the European Parliament doubt the value of approving a trade deal. He noted that Trump’s actions might undermine confidence in any future agreement.
Trump has previously threatened tariffs against countries trading with Iran and has used tariffs as leverage in diplomatic disputes. However, critics say he has not provided a legal basis for his Greenland tariff threats.
The US Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments about the legality of Trump’s broad tariff powers. Any decision could have major implications for global trade and presidential authority.
European leaders also questioned Trump’s motives. They argued that Greenland is already protected under NATO’s collective security pact. A US military base already exists in Greenland, and a 1951 agreement allows the US to station troops there.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the tariff threat benefits China and Russia, which gain from divisions among allies. Meanwhile, some US senators also criticized Trump’s approach, calling it harmful to America’s businesses and allies.
Despite the pressure, some experts advised Europe to remain calm. Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING Research, suggested Europe should wait and assess the situation. He said the tariff threat is still less severe than the possibility of a military invasion.
